Salmon seasons updated on upper Columbia River

September 29, 2020

Action: Opens retention of coho salmon.

Species affected: Salmon.

Revised Columbia River areas, effective dates, and rules:

Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam: Oct. 1 through Oct. 15, 2020. Daily limit six (6) salmon. Up to two (2) may be adult Chinook and up to two (2) may be coho. Minimum size 12 inches. Release sockeye.

Rock Island Dam to Rocky Reach Dam: Oct. 1 through October 15, 2020. Daily limit six (6) salmon. Up to two (2) may be adult hatchery Chinook, up to two (2) may be coho, and up to four (4) may be sockeye. Minimum size 12 inches. Release wild adult Chinook.

Reason for action: Returns of upper Columbia River-bound coho salmon are sufficient to meet broodstock needs and to provide for sport angler harvest.

Additional information:

1) Fishing closures around dams remain in effect as described in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.

2) Two-pole fishing is allowed with valid a two-pole endorsement in the mainstem Columbia River for the seasons described above.

3) Barbed hooks allowed.

Anglers are advised to routinely check WDFW's emergency rules website at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/ for updates.

Information contact: Ephrata regional office, 509-754-4624, or email TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.